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March 11, 2013

Back in early 2010, DefenseReview (DR) published a phone interview we had with Next Level Training (NLT) founder and SIRT training pistol inventor Mike Hughes. That interview, along with our T&E session with Mr. Hughes, himself, convinced us that the SIRT training pistol (and the technology in general), is one of the most important firearm/shooting training technologies ever invented/developed. Our phone interview will also tell you just about all you need to know about the SIRT.

The SIRT Training Pistol isn't all NLT has, by the way. Over the last few years, the company has also developed the NLT SIRT-AR Laser Bolt, which replaces the AR-15's bolt carrier group (BCG), so you can train with your tactical or competition AR carbine just like you train with the SIRT Training Pistol.

If you own an AR-15 and utilize one professionally or for home defense, it's Defense Review's opinion that the SIRT-AR Laser Bolt AR-15 BCG retrofit kit is one of the most important training investments you can make.

Any/every top-echelon shooter will tell you that dry fire is a very important component of your shooting training, since shooting (pistol or rifle) is a perishable skill. Dry fire helps keep it from perishing, since it allows you to practice draw, grip, sight picture and trigger mechanics. After all, ammo is expensive (especially now!), and you can't always get to the range. With the SIRT Training Pistol 110 Pro and SIRT-AR Laser Bolt, you don't have to.

Both products are pretty badass, and, in DR's opinion, perfect for 3-Gun competitive shooters, Mil/LE professionals, and civilian tactical shooters. The key to the technology is the integration of the Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger (SIRT) with the dual indicating lasers. It's unique, and must be experienced to be appreciated. In the meantime, we highly recommend you watch the videos below to learn more about the technology.

Safe, effective, and innovative, the Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger (SIRT) Training Pistol was developed by shooters for shooters, to complement, not replace, live fire training. The SIRT Training Pistol brings together a host of patent pending technologies critical to improving shooting accuracy while addressing issues of cost and liability. See the short video of the SIRT in Action.

Fully Functional Rail
Mount your tac light or other devices directly onto our SIRT Training Pistol rail, just as you would on your live fire pistol.

Ergonomic Frame
Built to the highest standards of strength and durability, the SIRT frame has all the functional grip features of the Glock 17/22, and when fully assembled is designed to match the weight of your live fire pistol.

Adjustable Resetting Trigger
The SIRT’s Adjustable Auto-resetting Trigger allows for multiple strings of fire during training without racking the slide, encouraging more repetitions per training session.

Weighted Training Magazine
The mags have a rubberized base plate for durability in training.

Laser Take-Up Toggle Switch
The Laser Take-Up Toggle Switch allows you to shut off the Take-Up Indicating Laser, and just train with the Shot Indicating Laser. The Red and Green (Pro Model) Lasers may also be reversed with an internal switch.

Details:
The SIRT simulates the size, weight and functional features of the Glock™ 17/22 pistol.
The SIRT Training Pistol works with most holsters made for the Glock™ 17/22 pistol.

TRIGGER PREP TRAINING
The take-up indicator engages when the trigger is “taken-up” and partially pressed, as prepping a trigger is imperative for maximizing accuracy and trigger control. When the trigger is taken-up, the red laser is on, providing a visual awareness of the muzzle movement, and further indicating when the trigger is prepped to the shooter and/or a trainer or firearms instructor.

TAKE-UP AND SHOT INDICATORS WORK FOR EVERYONE
Whether your shooting style is target-focused or strict front-sight-focused, the general visual awareness of the lasers provides the requisite feedback to improve shooting mechanics without compromising your vision focal at your desired vision focal length.

SHOT INDICATING LASER WORKS ON ANY TARGET
The short bursts of the green shot indicating laser provide sufficient visual verification to the shooter because of our natural flash visual memory. The use of the first prototypes (which were initially made for individual training by the company’s founders) unveiled the effectiveness of a simple laser shot indicator on practically any target. The green laser can be seen while training outside, allows more training and does not require the hassle, setup and restrictiveness of full-blown expensive target simulation systems. The compact and simple training tool system works.

RESETTING TRIGGER ALLOWS FOR ENGAGING TARGETS IN A CONTINUOUS STRING
An auto-resetting trigger is necessary to reset the internal simulated sear to represent multiple consecutive shots. Traditional dry firing requires racking the slide or cocking the hammer (to shoot in single action mode). The action between shots breaks the natural flow of engaging numerous targets in an array.

MORE SHOTS = MORE TRAINING
The auto-resetting trigger allows for a significantly greater number of quality trigger pulls during a training session.

Utilize your existing AR-15 platform with the SIRT-AR Bolt for high volume, sustainable diagnostic training. By replacing your bolt carrier with the SIRT-AR Bolt you will be able to train with a self resetting trigger that activates a shot indicating laser in your rifle. Simply open the rear takedown pin, remove your bolt carrier, insert the SIRT-AR Bolt and trigger bar, close and latch the take down pin and you are ready to train!

With the SIRT-AR Bolt, you can now train shooting with an offset, weapons manipulation, mag changes, presentation shots, transitions from primary to secondary, and strong side to weak side.

About David Crane

David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.